A Life Debt Repaid

Chapter 393

"Why?" Cordy asked, working hard to keep herself calm.

"I'll explain when I get back," John replied.

"Are you going to announce your wedding date?" Cordy asked bluntly.

John was left silent for heartbeats, while Cordy made herself very clear." It's already expected. It doesn't affect me at all."

"That's not all-"

"You're scarily selfish, John," she said, putting weight behind every word.

John felt his breath leave his lungs right then.

At the same time, Cordy continued, "Whether this marriage is by your will or otherwise, Jessica Stuart considers you her partner now. It’s a legitimate relationship, so why would you keep clinging to me? Is this fair to her? Sure, I'm not that much of a saint to sympathize with someone who wants me dead, but it still disgusts me how irresponsible you can be-to her and to me."

"I will never marry Jessica Stuart," John repeated, his tone somber and obviously repressing his rage.

"That's your business," Cordy snapped, losing control as well. "You can do whatever you choose. I'm just doing my best to live my life, so could you please stop harassing me?!"

come to Rocktown. I promise that from now on, I won't bother

invitation?!" Cordy demanded in turn." It's

"I know."

operate a business

you to do is avoid

I did? I'm an eyesore no matter what I do now, John,

it up

Whatever's going on between you and Jessica -whether it's

listen to me. Don't get impulsive about

go at all?! I have to go, and that's a fact! If I didn't, I'd be disrespecting the Stuarts, and William Stuart can use that to coerce Patrick Stuart into cutting me

never should have

John knew, but did not care about her situation. "You're the one who's saying that I'm getting too much attention.

depend on him,’ John told

less reason to depend on you,"

attend the ball next week. HI give you a reasonable explanation when I can," John simply said, and

stubborn as he

down a little heavily in

was rarely angry, but John was really driving her